New video from Horn Island may show boat tied to Nolan Wells’ final day

Authorities have not confirmed the vessel shown in the footage is connected to Wells’ disappearance or death.

A newly surfaced video may show the vessel tied to the Nolan Wells’ final known day on Horn Island, adding another unconfirmed clue to a case already shaped by questions about his final hours and plans for an expert review.

TMZ reported that the footage was captured on Mississippi’s Horn Island at 11:17 a.m. on July 4, before the area became crowded. Near the end of the clip, a boat bearing the name “Mac Daddy” appears in view. The outlet said the vessel resembles one shown in footage it previously obtained from later that afternoon.

That earlier video was recorded at 2:23 p.m., according to its metadata. TMZ said it showed a young man wearing swim trunks similar in color to those Wells wore in a photograph taken that day. Several friends and two older adults also appeared aboard the boat.

The new Horn Island footage does not establish that Wells was on the vessel. TMZ also noted that the adults visible in the earlier footage did not appear to be the same people seen in the new clip. Authorities have not publicly confirmed that the boat shown in either video is connected to Wells’ disappearance.

Wells, 18, traveled to Horn Island with friends during a Fourth of July outing. He did not return to the mainland with the group and was reported missing later that night. His body was found near Horn Island on July 6 after a multi-agency search.

Questions about the timeline have continued as Wells’ family seeks a clearer account of what happened. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family, recently announced that audio engineers would examine a Sea Tow distress call made from a boat near Horn Island that afternoon. The family also plans to consult oceanic experts about tides and the location where Wells was found.

The video has renewed online attention, but it remains only a possible lead. Investigators have not announced that it changes the direction of the case, and no official connection between the “Mac Daddy” and Wells’ final movements has been established.